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Aluta Continua is a popular anthem amongst Nigerian students. It’s also common in certain African countries. The term “A Luta Continua” is Portuguese for “the Struggle Continues”, and was popularized by the Freedom-fighter President of Mozambique — Samora Michael — who used it to mobilize and motivate the people of his country in their historical struggle against the Portuguese colonialists in the 1970s.
A luta continua! Many Nigerian students have chanted it, mostly due to the prevailing crisis in the Nigerian education sector. There’s the recent hike in fees, the overcrowded classes, the erratic electricity supply, and whatnot.
The Aluta anthem can trace its roots back to the Nigerian student movement of the 1970s, which was an outgrowth of the late 1960s when students started advocating for improved campus living conditions, enhanced academic quality, and increased democratic principles within the nation.
Who Wrote the Aluta Anthem?
In the 1978 Ali Must Go protests following an increase in fees, a group of Nigerian students under the umbrella of the now-banned National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS) wrote the Aluta Continua anthem. They were led by Segun Okeowo, the then-president of NUNS. The anthem was written and composed to motivate and inspire fellow students to continue the struggle for a better Nigeria.
The anthem rapidly gained popularity with students and is now a common rallying cry for protests and demonstrations nationwide.
Aluta Anthem Lyrics
The lyrics of the Aluta anthem are simple yet powerful. The point of focus of the anthem is “A luta continua; vitória é certa” which means “The struggle continues, victory is certain” in Portuguese.
A luta continua
Stanza 1
A luta continua
A luta continua
A luta ….. Gbosa
A luta …. Gbosa
A luta continua
Victoria
Stanza 2
Victoria Ascerta
Victoria Ascerta
Victoria ….. Gbosa
Victoria …. Gbosa
Victoria Ascerta
Awetu
Stanza 3
Awetu are we to
Awetu are we to
Awetu ….. Gbosa
Awetu ….. Gbosa
Awetu are we to
Education
Stanza 4
Education must be free
Education must be free
Education …. Gbosa
Education …. Gbosa
Education must be free
Nigeria
Stanza 5
Nigeria must unite
Nigeria must unite
Nigeria …. Gbosa
Nigeria ….Gbosa
Nigeria must unite.
Great Nigeria Students — Great !!!
Articulate Nigeria Students — Great !!!
Ever-dynamic Nigeria Students — Great !!!
Aluta Anthem MP3 Download
You can download/listen to the full audio of the old National anthem of Nigeria here. Tap the “three dots” to download.
“Aluta Continua” is now a widely used motto for activists and protestors, signifying the idea that perseverance leads to success. It’s become a symbol for various movements, including Nigeria’s EndSARS protests. The song encourages standing firm against oppression and fighting for rights.
It reminds us that the fight for justice is ongoing, and victory is certain with unwavering dedication. This anthem embodies the Nigerian people’s determination in their quest for a better society, offering hope to activists and protestors with its message of persistence.
Over to You…
How well did you enjoy this anthem? Rate it on a scale of 1 – 10. Before you leave, do well to check out the anthem of some popular Nigerian institutions:
Abdulbasit Toriola is an emerging voice in Nigerian cultural commentary and social analysis. From his corner in Lagos, he documents Nigerian history, current affairs, and explores the extraordinary journeys of Nigerians beating the odds. His works have been published on Africa Prime News and Opinion Nigeria. Connect with Abdulbasit on Twitter @blackboymusings for daily insights into Nigerian life and culture.
